By Mallory Kemper, sports information intern

The Bluffton University baseball team hosted Heartland Conference opponent Franklin College on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The Beavers were up 5-2 after one inning, but a five-run third and six-run sixth propelled the Grizzlies to victory. Bluffton fell to 2-10 in the HCAC and 10-17 overall. Franklin improved to 18-8 on the season and 8-4 in the conference.

In the first inning, the Beavers piled up seven straight hits before the visitors could record an out. Kyle Niermann (Napoleon) started off with a base hit and Miles Richardson (Granville/Newark Catholic) followed with another single. Nick Broyles (Toledo/Whitmer) picked up two RBI after hitting a double. Tyler Stephenson (Springfield/North) doubled home Airic Steagall (Hillsboro) and Tim Webb (Delaware) capped the onslaught with a run-scoring base knock which plated Tyler Wright (Troy).

Two frames later the Grizzles followed suit, scoring five runs on six hits. Senior Ian Sanders hit a two-run dinger before Jarrett Johnson hit another home run to give the Grizzlies a 7-5 lead after the third.

The sixth inning for Franklin was much like the third inning after a Matt Zmich long ball and doubles by Alex Boone and designated hitter Travis Lee. The six tallies sent the Grizzlies to a comfortable 13-7 lead after the sixth inning.

In the eighth inning Richardson drove in Niermann and Kevin Martin (Bryan), but it was not enough as Franklin went on to win the HCAC matchup, 15-11.

Ryan Leugers (Botkins) fell to 2-5 on the year after giving up 12 hits and 12 runs in 5.2 innings of work. Nathan Ellis improved to 5-1, throwing 7.0 innings while allowing 14 hits.

Kyle Niermann feasted on the Franklin pitching, going an impressive 5-of-6 at the plate, scoring two runs and reaching on a Grizzly miscue in the fourth. Miles Richardson went 3-of-6 with three RBI and two runs scored. Steagall, Broyles, Stephenson and Webb all finished the game with two safeties as Bluffton outhit Franklin (18-16).

Bluffton continues its series with Franklin on Sunday, April 17. The first of two games with the Grizzlies is slated for 12 p.m. at Memorial Field.

-BEAVERS-